How 'Brain Training' Can Make You Smarter

As many people hit mid-life they often start to notice that their memory and mental clarity are not what they used to be. As the brain fades, we euphemistically refer to these occurrences as “senior moments”.

While seemingly innocent, this loss of mental focus can potentially have a detrimental impact on our professional, social, and personal wellbeing.

It happens to most of us, but is it inevitable?

From HowLifeWorks.com:

Neuroscientists are increasingly showing that there’s actually a lot that can be done. It turns that the brain needs exercise in much the same way our muscles do, and the right mental workouts can significantly improve our basic cognitive functions. Thinking is essentially a process of making neural connections in the brain.

Now, a new San Francisco web-based company has taken it a step further and developed the first “brain training program” designed to actually help people improve and regain their mental sharpness. Called Lumosity, it was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford University.

Lumosity, is far more than an online place to exercise your mental skills. That’s because they have integrated these exercises into a web-based program that allows you to systematically improve your memory and attention skills. The program keeps track of your progress and provides detailed feedback on your performance and improvement.

In randomized, controlled clinical trials Lumosity was shown to significantly improve basic cognitive functions. One study showed students improved their scores on math tests by 34% after using Lumosity for 6 weeks, significantly greater gains than those made by other students in the same class, who were not training with the Lumosity program.

The company says its users have reported clearer and quicker thinking, improved memory for names, numbers, directions, etc., increased alertness and awareness, elevated mood and better concentration at work or while driving.

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